Serena Williams injury is not major worry

Injured Sharapova, Halep withdraw from Brisbane tournament

World no. 1 Serena Williams dismissed concerns about her fitness for the upcoming Australian Open despite being forced to retire from her first singles match at the mixed teams Hopman Cup in Perth on Tuesday.

Williams had already missed the United States’ opening Hopman Cup tie due to inflammation of her left knee, but took the court against Australian Jarmila Wolfe.

However, the American retired when trailing 7-5, 2-1, having appeared extremely restricted in her movement during the match, particularly on her left side.

The winner of 21 Grand Slams was confident it was only a minor problem and even refused to rule herself out of Thursday’s Hopman Cup tie against the Czech Republic.

“I just have some inflammation that’s been going away very slowly. It’s still there, it’s going away, but just needs a little more time,” Serena said.